Sunday, January 23, 2011

A Peaceful Winter Day

Even though it's still a bit cold out (41 degrees), we have a bit of sunshine here in Seattle. I'm glad to see it! Today I'm mostly resting around home, doing a few things but also reading books and magazines, visiting with the neighbors, and making phone calls. I'm glad I don't have anywhere to rush around to today.

QUICK THINGS TO DO TODAY:

Grocery stores in many areas now have tulips and daffodils available. If you like spring flowers, pick yourself up some. You can generally get a bouquet of several tulips for less than $6 and daffodils for less than $4. It will bring a little early feeling of spring to your home.

Can you find primroses for your garden? I don't generally plant mine in January, but I put several containers of them on my front porch for a colorful welcome home.

Fridge/freezer maintenance - Clean one shelf, one drawer, or two door shelves in your fridge and also in your freezer.

Check your supply of liquor, wine and beer if you keep those sorts of beverages around. Did your supplies get depleted during your holiday parties? Add to your grocery shopping list if needed.

Take inventory of your paper and plastic products. Do you need more Kleenex, paper towels, toilet tissue, garbage bags, sandwich bags? Add anything you need to your shopping list for the week.

Do you have any library books due to be returned this week? Any movies you need to return to Netflix or Redbox?

It's a new year - does your child need their allowance adjusted for cost of living increases and their age? If this isn't something you review around their birthday, this might be a good time to discuss it. Also, it may be time to adjust chores around your child's older age, new skills they've acquired, or new schedules they've taken on at school.

TODAY'S PROJECT: Bathroom

Thoroughly clean a bathroom (or two if you have time and more than one bathroom needs cleaning).

Pay special attention to the shower and/or bathtub. Mop the floor and change any cat litter boxes (if applicable). Change and launder towels and rugs. Replenish toilet paper, hand soap, and toiletries as needed. Sort any and all medicine cabinets, under-sink cupboards or cabinets, throwing away items you don't need. De-clutter and prioritize. Can you remove three or more items from your bathroom counter?

If you keep houseplants or a vase of flowers in your bathroom, water and tend to the plant and throw out any dead flowers. I like to keep a vase of colorful tulips in the bathroom in winter if I can.

TODAY'S SECONDARY PROJECT: Quiet Winter Evening

Spend some time tonight with your family. But also give yourself time to work on your crafts, writing, classes, book reading, fun cooking projects, sewing, photo sorting, and other activities. Enjoy tea, coffee or wine, and treat yourself to a fire if you have a fireplace. Enjoy some quiet time without rushing around from errand to errand.

If you've socialized on Friday and Saturday night, it's good for you to maybe take it easy and stay home tonight enjoying family time and alone time.

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